How do you identify a Civil War button?

Civil War era buttons usually show a circular depression at the base of the button around the shank. A small, very round shank “eye” also indicates a Civil War period button. Shanks inset into holes in the button didn’t happen until after World War I.

How do you identify military buttons?

Another helpful factor in identifying military buttons is to check the shank, the attachment that holds the button in its place. If you see a shank soldered at the base, the buttons came from an older period such as the 18th and 19th centuries. Civil War buttons also had that mushrooming effect in the shanks as well.

Are Waterbury buttons valuable?

” (Waterbury Buttons can be identified by the capital W’s or the company name found on the back of its buttons. ” Collectors indicate rare Waterbury Buttons, like large gilts from the 1840’s, are worth up to several hundred dollars each.

Are military buttons valuable?

Buttons sewn to military uniforms and worn during conflicts are among of the most popular areas of military-related collecting. In the United States, buttons from the Civil War are especially sought after, and are often described as being “dug” and or “non dug,” depending on whether or not they have been excavated.

Where can I find the Scovill button backmark?

The brothers J. M. Lamson Scovill and William Henry Scovill operated the business from 1827 to 1840. These buttons are generally marked “JML Scovill…” or “Scovills”. The Scovills & Co backmark is found from around 1840 to 1850. Marks with variations of Scovill Manufacturing begin about 1850 (Scovill MG.- early 1850s, Scovill MF’G – mid 1850s).

When did the first Scovill button come out?

Buttons, however, represented the common thread connecting the modern Scovill to its early 19th-century roots. Scovill buttons were worn on U.S. military uniforms in every war during both the 19th and 20th centuries, beginning with the pewter buttons worn by military personnel in the War of 1812.

Where do I find the mizzeliz button backmark?

BUTTON BACKMARK INFORMATION | mizzeliz – working for you.. SCOVILL MG. CO. / WATURBURY CT. SCOVILL MF’G CO. WATURBURY CT. SCOVILL MF’G CO. WATURBURY SCOVILL MFG CO.

What kind of backmark is on a World War 1 button?

Keep in mind that using Scovill backmark lettering (including dots and stars) is not a foolproof method because Scovill often used old backmark dies to make newer buttons. Thus it is possible to have a World War I “Great Seal” button with an 1850 backmark.